Divorce Rates Dropping Nationally

In the 1950’s the word divorce was hardly ever mentioned.  When Lucy and Ricky Ricardo decided to end their marriage, fans life were shattered.  Today, we are used to hearing terms like “Brangelina” in reference to mega movie stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie getting together and then breaking up.  We have become so accustom to stars like Madonna and Tom Cruise changing their partners as much as Texas weather changes.  Who can remember how many marriages Elizabeth Taylor had?  If you guessed 7 you were wrong.  She actually had 8 marriages to 7 different husbands.  However, recent news is shedding new light on the divorce rate, and it is actually headed in a positive direction which is just in time since Valentine’s Day is here!

According to a news report by Fox Business, Divorce Rates have declined by almost 20 percent in the last 10 years.  From the year 2009 to 2018, divorce rates overall have actually decreased by 19.55 percent.

The website found that the State of Illinois had the biggest drop in divorces over that period, with a decrease of 40 percent, while New York saw an increase in the state’s divorce rate during that period by 7.69%.  You can’t blame the New York marriage divorce rate on Donald Trump as he has been married to Melania since 2005.  And thankfully Bill and Hillary are so busy traveling the country apart from each other they didn’t add to that rate either.

It doesn’t seem like it is a geographical difference on divorce rates.  States included with the lowest divorce rates are Texas, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, South Carolina, Georgia, Maryland, Kansas, Iowa, Massachusetts, Louisiana and Illinois came in at the lowest with 1.5% divorce rate.

The states with the highest divorce rate were Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Alaska, Idaho, Oklahoma, Utah, Wyoming, Arkansas and Nevada came in at 4.4%.  Of course Nevada is a state that you can meet someone at the Casino one hour.  Go back to the Casino and lose all your money.  Then make a drive through trip and get a divorce all in the same day.

The New Year is just beginning and Valentine’s Day is here.  We hope that your marriage is one of love and happiness.  However, there are times that you have to get out or away from a bad relationship.  If this is your situation, you will want someone on your side.

Having an attorney with the resources and knowledge to give you the best representation is vital to your interest and the interest of your family.  You also want to make sure they will exhaust all avenues and be willing to research, pursue and implement strategies to provide the best possible outcome.

Rob McAngus, Partner with Verner Brumley Parker, P.C., is Board Certified in family Law and his practice is devoted primarily to family law, including high conflict divorce, custody cases, and complex property issues. In addition to being selected on the Board of Directors for the Family Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association; he values your priorities as a parent and works with you to achieve the goals that will help transition your family to a new normal.  As both an adopted child and a member of a blended family, Rob can provide a unique perspective in the practice of family law.

Rob has been recognized in Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2016 through 2019, and recently The National Advocates recognized Rob as one of the Top 40 Under 40.  He can be reached by calling 214.526.5234 or email at rmcangus@vernerbrumley.com.